IOWA ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
3349 Southgate Court Southwest #108
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-5424
319-362-6824 Voice, 319-362-7734 Fax or (Wulff Home 515-276-8888)
www.simpson.edu/~iarp henrywulff@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/09/02
Rail Passenger Expert to Speak to
State Passenger Meeting in Des Moines
(Des Moines, Iowa) -The Executive Director of the Midwest High
Speed Rail Coalition in Chicago, Illinois, Richard Harnish, will tell
Iowans about how Iowa fits into the regional rail passenger network at the
next meeting of the Iowa Association of Railroad Passengers (IARP). IARP is
scheduled to meet at the Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 East River Drive,
Des Moines, Iowa, at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 19, 2002.
Harnish heads a regional organization which is promoting enhanced
passenger train service for the Midwest. The hub would be in Chicago. The
network may include service from Council Bluffs/Omaha, through Des Moines,
Grinnell, Iowa City and Davenport.
Harnish will also discuss the major positive economic impact on
Iowa and the rest of the Midwest of an enhanced rail passenger network.
Also addressing the meeting will be State Representative John
Connors of Des Moines. Connors will tell about his expectations for
passenger rail legislation in the Iowa Legislature this session. Last year,
Connors co-sponsored legislation in the Iowa House promoting enhanced rail
passenger service.
IARP President Henry C. Wulff of Urbandale says, "Rick Harnish is
criss-crossing the Midwest sharing his organization's vision of modern, fast
passenger trains providing regular, timely, comfortable and safe service to
those of us who live here. I know folks will be fascinated by his message."
Wulff continues, "The IARP meeting will be held following the
first week of the new session of the Iowa Legislature. We're optimistic
that legislators will have the long-term vision to support and promote an
enhanced rail passenger system serving Iowans and those who travel to Iowa."
The meeting is open to the public. There is a $2 meeting fee for
attendees.
There will be an informal lunch at 11:30 a.m. prior to the
meeting, but reservations are required for lunch which is $8. The informal
lunch will also allow attendees to discuss transportation issues prior to
the meeting. Reservations should be made by calling 515-276-8888 or by
sending an e-mail to: henrywulff@aol.com.
The Iowa Association of Railroad Passengers is a statewide,
non-profit citizens' organization which supports rail passenger
service--both commercial and tourist service. IARP supports a solid rail
infrastructure, quality freight service by rail and inter-modal. The group
was formed in 1981 to strengthen the voice of the rail user in Iowa. The
group meets at various locations throughout the state. It's most recent
meetings were in Osceola, Cedar Rapids, Burlington and Amana.
IARP is affiliated with the National Association of Railroad
Passengers in Washington, D.C. Membership information is available by
writing to the Iowa Association of Railroad Passengers, 3349 Southgate
Court, SW, Suite #108, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-5424 or by calling (319)
362-6824, or at the group's website at www.simpson.edu/~iarp.
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